Chiefs re-sign Dezman Moses, place Paul Fanaika on injured reserve

The Chiefs re-signed outside linebacker Dezman Moses on Wednesday and placed offensive lineman Paul Fanaika on injured reserve because of a back injury.

Head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said Fanaika felt tightness in his back Sunday morning. Burkholder said Fanaika struggled at practice later that day and received treatment but felt worse the next day.

Fanaika underwent an MRI that showed he had a herniated disk. Burkholder said Fanaika may not need surgery.

“The debate is, do you try to rehab him and take almost the same amount of time as if you operated on him and rehabbed him,” Burkholder said. “We’re referring him to some other people for second and third opinions because we have time now.”

Fanaika is not the only Chief to recently have a herniated disk. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe had the same injury, but Burkholder said Poe’s disk was a little lower than Fanaika’s.

With Fanaika on injured reserve, second-year pro Zach Fulton and fourth-year pro Jeff Allen are the primary backups at guard.

Moses, 26, is coming off a strong preseason in which he recorded five tackles and eight quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. He was released on Sunday, however, to make room for tight end Brian Parker, who was claimed off waivers from San Diego.